The Canberra Pakistani community had an open invitation to attend the Pakistan Independence Day event at the new Pakistan High Commission at 4 Perth Avenue, Yarralumla on Sunday 14 August.

The event commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran followed by a flag hoisting ceremony by the Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia Her Excellency Mrs Naela Chohan.

The guests were then invited inside the new building where they were reminded of the sacrifices undertaken by the people of Pakistan. It was also highlighted that the plight of Kashmiris is still not resolved.

The event was also used to launch Issue 2 of Partners in Research and Development, the flagship publication of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which focussed on agricultural collaboration between Australia and Pakistan. ACAIR was represented by Don Heatley OAM, ACIAR Commission Chair.

The High Commissioner then gave her speech to the guests, welcoming them to 70th Independence Day and wishing them Azadi Mubarak.

“Of course most of you are Australians, but I know that, having lived abroad, you have great love for the home you have left behind,” she said. “Your heart will always beat for it.”

“Pakistan is our identity that we earned through immense sacrifice. Today we celebrate Independence Day with a sense of deep gratitude and humility before Allah Subhana Wa Tala for His countless blessings and bounties,” she added.